Phlegm vs. Mucus: Understanding Their Roles and How to Manage Them Effectively

Mucus and phlegm are bodily substances that help keep the airways and other sensitive areas moist. Although our bodies produce both, they serve different roles. A mucus is a thin, slippery fluid that lines the nose, throat, and other passages to trap dust, germs, and other particles. Phlegm is a thicker type of mucus produced in the lungs to capture and remove hazardous particles and infections.

Excess mucus or phlegm can be produced by infections, irritants, or allergies, often leading to symptoms like sore throat, frequent coughing, and congestion. Read further to better understand the differences between phlegm and mucus, as well as learn about some effective ways of management strategies,

Phlegm vs. Mucus: Key Differences

Phlegm, also known as sputum, is a sticky, thick mucus produced by the respiratory system, typically in response to infection or irritation. It is produced in the lungs and airways and helps in protecting and lubricating the respiratory system. The amount and color of phlegm can vary depending on the underlying cause of its production.

Mucus is a gel-like, slippery substance mainly produced in the respiratory, reproductive, and digestive systems. It works as a lubricant and keeps moist tissues such as the mouth, sinuses, and lungs from drying out.

The Relationship between Phlegm and Mucus

The relationship between these two natural bodily substances can be better studied as:

• The mucus is constantly produced by our bodies to support vital functions. It is a natural response to irritants, such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, and pollutants. The mucus offers a protective layer for the respiratory system. ⁽¹⁾ It traps dust and germs entering the lungs.
• Phlegm is a type of mucus produced by our body in the lungs and throat ⁽²⁾ that we try to cough up to clear infections or irritants from the lungs. It is a thicker and stickier mucus which makes it difficult to breathe. Changes in the color or consistency of phlegm can be due to certain underlying conditions. For instance, conditions like bronchiectasis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) result in an increased production of phlegm because of repeated inflammation and infections.

A Deeper Insight to the Purpose of Mucus and Phlegm

Both phlegm and mucus serve a purpose. Mucus traps germs, dust, and other harmful particles, preventing them from reaching or infecting deeper parts of the body. It also plays a crucial role in helping our body eliminate irritants or other harmful substances. When a person coughs up mucus, blows it out through the nose, or swallows it (where it can break down safely in the stomach), the germs leave the body.

Phlegm captures and removes foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, and dust from the airways. It is thicker than mucus and stickier in texture making it easier to catch harmful substances in the lungs and respiratory tract. Coughing helps the cilia or the tiny hair-like structures in the airways push the phlegm up and out of the body. Thus, this natural process helps to keep our lungs and airways clear and functioning well.

Signs that someone is Experiencing Excess Phlegm and Mucus

Usually, most amounts of mucus go unnoticed. However, some signs that explain someone experiencing excess phlegm and mucus include:

• Increased need to clear the throat.
• Sore throat
• Frequent coughing.
• Difficult breathing.
• Congestion in the chest.
• Visible thick, discolored phlegm or mucus.

Causes of Increased Phlegm and Mucus

Upper respiratory infection (URI) or lower respiratory infection (LRI) results in increased phlegm and mucus.

Upper respiratory infections are common, accounting for 10 million outpatient appointments annually across the U. S. ⁽³⁾

Sinus infections, the common cold, influenza (flu), tonsillitis, sore throat, or laryngitis are some examples of URIs. Bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, flu, and tuberculosis are some of the Lower respiratory infections that occur in the airways below the larynx. Both URIs and LRIs can be effectively treated, sometimes clear up on their own. However, certain complications can also occur with lower respiratory infections, and thus, an expert advice and treatment plan is highly essential.

Sometimes excess phlegm or mucus can have other possible causes that are not due to any underlying sickness. Some of these causes include dry air or irritants in the air, allergies, dehydration, cold temperatures, certain types of foods, and deviated septum.

Dangerous Effects of Excess Phlegm and Mucus

Overproduction of phlegm and mucus can result in several effects that range from mildly uncomfortable to potentially dangerous. Some of these include:

• A runny nose and skin irritation.
• Difficulty breathing due to blocked airways.
• Increased risk of infection.
• Postnasal drip, often leading to throat irritation and coughing.
• Worsening of symptoms associated with asthma or other existing lung conditions.

A 2023 review has found that people with COPD who develop mucus plugs in their airways face a greater risk of severe complications or premature death. ⁽⁴⁾

Different Colors of Phlegm

Phlegm can be of different colors and these colors provide essential clues about our health, including whether or not an underlying condition of the lung is resulting in a change in the normal mucus production. These colors of phlegm help healthcare professionals determine the most effective treatment plan.

Clear, White, or Gray-colored Phlegm

This is typical. However, excess amounts of phlegm indicate lung disease.

Dark Yellow or Green-colored Phlegm

A bacterial or viral infection like pneumonia, or an inherited condition, such as cystic fibrosis can result in a dark yellow or green-colored phlegm.

Brown or Brown Spots in the Phlegm

This could be old blood from cystic fibrosis or other lung infections. This indicates breathing in brown particles like toxins or dust.

Black Phlegm

Phlegm is black in people who smoke excess tobacco or have black lung disease.

Pink-colored Phlegm

It might indicate pulmonary edema, which is a condition related to heart failure.

Red-colored Phlegm

Red phlegm could indicate an internal injury, lung cancer, or pulmonary embolism. Coughing up red phlegm requires immediate medical intervention.

Management Strategies: Tips on Reducing Phlegm and Excess Mucus

Excess mucus and phlegm treatment varies and could depend on the underlying cause and symptoms. Read below for tips on reducing both through medications, humidifiers, hydrations, and other home remedies.

Reducing Phlegm and Excess Mucus through Medications

Expectorants

Excess mucus buildup can be treated using different medications. Expectorants is one of the most popular of these. They thin mucus and allow more effective coughing that clears airways. One common expectorant is Guaifenesin. This is highly effective at relieving congestion in the chest.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved guaifenesin in 1952. ⁽⁵⁾ However, the natural forms of guaifenesin were first used by people in the 1500s. ⁽⁶⁾

Guaifenesin can be purchased in multiple forms like fast-acting tablets, extended-release tablets, and liquid medications.

Other Medications to Treat Excess Phlegm and Mucus

Individuals seeking mucus release can also inhale Dornase alfa, a medication that works as an effective mucolytic and helps to temporarily reduce mucus buildup throughout the airways.

OTC Options to Treat Mild Cases

Mild cases of mucus buildup can be treated using several OTC options. Mucinex and Robitussin are some of the OTC medications available to treat excess mucus buildup. These medications are available at local pharmacies.

Eliminating Excess Phlegm and Mucus through a Vaporizer or Humidifier

Dry air can irritate the nose and throat, causing more mucus to form as a lubricant. A cool mist humidifier can help keep the nose clear, preventing a sore throat, and promoting better sleep.

Excess Mucus and Phlegm through Hydration

The mucus thins when the body remains hydrated. When an individual is sick with a cold, taking extra fluids thins mucus and helps drain the sinuses.

Other Home Remedies to Reduce Phlegm and Excess Mucus

• Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the face.
• Keep the head elevated.
• Do not suppress a cough.
• Gargle with salt water.
• Use a saline nasal spray.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Avoid irritants.
• Take a hot bath or shower.
• Keep allergies in check.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Eat plenty of fruits.

Know When to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor if you experience the following symptoms.

• A cough lasting more than 10 days.
• Blurred vision with a stuffy nose.
• Nasal discharge with an unpleasant smell.
• Yellow spots on the back of the throat.
• The mucus does not reduce with typical treatments.
• Phlegm and mucus continue to thicken.
• Experience shortness of breath or chest pain.
• There is blood in the phlegm.

Final Words

Phlegm and mucus are the natural substances produced in our bodies that help keep the airways moist. However, the two serve different roles. Mucus is a thin fluid that traps germs and dust, while phlegm is thicker than mucus and is produced in the lungs. There are several reasons for phlegm and mucus production in the body. However, in most cases, one can find long-term relief.

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